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The Trump administration has ordered a sweeping review of the Smithsonian museums to ensure their programming aligns with the president's historical vision, per the Wall Street Journal.
In a letter sent to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, the White House said it would be launching a review of exhibits, curatorial practices, and institutional content ahead of the country's 250th anniversary in 2026. The review follows a March executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which called for the elimination of “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” from federal cultural institutions.
“The Smithsonian museums and exhibits should be accurate, patriotic, and enlightening,” Lindsey Halligan, a White House senior associate appointed to oversee the initiative, said, adding that programming should reflect “unity, progress, and enduring values that define the American story." “This is about preserving trust in one of our most cherished institutions.”
The letter, which was co-signed by Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley and OMB Director Russ Vought, outlines plans for the White House to evaluate everything from exhibit text and online content to internal curatorial processes, use of collections, artist grants, and even communications between museum staff via observational site visits and walk-throughs.
All 19 Smithsonian museums based in Washington will undergo the review, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and others. The administration also asked the Smithsonian for institutional charts, visitor surveys, and internal approvals. The White House has given the institution 30 days to turn over requested documents, with the review expected to be completed before July 2026.
“The real concern is that this isn't about accuracy—it's about rewriting history for political gain," one unnamed museum staffer said.
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